Kurtz a possible source of grit for Syracuse Crunch lineup

Courtesy of the Syracuse CrunchSyracuse Crunch defenseman Mat Clark, left, and forward Patrick Maroon were doing some of Santa's work on behalf of the Hillside Family of Agencies earlier this week.

Forward John Kurtz is taking his comeback one stride at a time, a process that is unfolding a lot more slowly than he hoped.

But he could be close to returning to action and getting another chance to play for the Syracuse Crunch.

Kurtz, who played 49 games for Syracuse last year, has missed all of this season with an ankle injury he suffered during the summer. The free agent visited Syracuse this preseason, and Crunch assistant GM Bob Ferguson said when Kurtz was healthy there’d likely be a tryout contract waiting for him.

Kurtz received medical clearance to begin serious skating earlier this week and has been doing so on his own after Crunch practices. Kurtz said a contract is in the discussion stages, although he is probably at least a couple weeks away from playing.

“It’s getting better. It’s getting there,” he said earlier this week. “Just a little bit of trouble with the quick feet stuff. But overall, my speed is almost there. Hopefully, I can crack the lineup.”

There’s a job waiting. Kurtz is a third-liner who also fills the role of a middleweight scrapper. The Crunch could use help in that department, with some of its skill players getting pushed around and no deterrent to call upon.

Kurtz is anxious to test himself in that area. He took fighting lessons during the off-season and put on about 15 pounds, up to 215. Even the thought of smaller agitating acts, like spraying snow on the opposing goalie or making a big hit, put a smile on his face after his long layoff.

“Oh, absolutely. I worked a lot on technique stuff, fighting-wise, this summer,” he said. “I’m excited to test it out. When I come back, I want to mix things up, if that’s what the team needs. Get the crowd into the game. Do whatever it takes to get into the lineup.”

Bodie’s AHL career
hits 200 and counting

Syracuse forward Troy Bodie joined a pack of Crunch graybeards when he took the ice against Hershey on Nov. 18.

The contest was the 200th AHL game of Bodie’s career. There are five other Syracuse players who have reached that mark: Nathan Smith, Patrick Maroon, Sean Zimmerman, Mathieu Carle and Bryan Rodney.

In 201 AHL games with Hamilton, Springfield, Iowa, San Antonio, Toronto and the Crunch, Bodie has compiled 58 points (33-25) and 343 penalty minutes.

“It’s good. It’s an accomplishment. Some ups, some downs,” he said. “You just wonder where they all went, where all my points are.”

Players lead drive
for Hillside wish list

A handful of Crunch players pulled on their elf hats and helped out with some important Christmas shopping earlier this week.

Bodie, Maroon, Smith, Mat Clark, and J.F. Jacques all picked out gifts as part of the Hillside Special Santa Gift Wish List drive.

“There were a couple deals in there. I might have to go back on my own,” Clark said. “There’s a lot of stuff we could have picked out for these kids. (Players had to) throw some clothes in there, just so it’s not just toys.”

The Hillside Special Santas program benefits local youths and families served by Hillside Family of Agencies in Central New York. Fans can bring new donations to tonight’s home game against Binghamton.